Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Gainesville, FL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gainesville, Florida?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gainesville, Florida is 352-955-1818.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Gainesville, Florida?

  You may obtain a copy of a police report in Gainesville by making an online request through this link http://www.gainesvillepd.org/Virtual-Front-Desk/Online-Reporting/Get-Your-Report/Incident-Report or you may call (352) 393-7565. You may also visit the Custodian of Records at 545 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville FL 32601.

• How many years are you allowed to file a claim for a dog bite injury in Gainesville?

  If you were injured by a dog bite in Gainesville and throughout the state of Florida, you are given four years from the date of the incident to file a claim. This means that if you incurred medical costs and other damages from the dog bite, you can file a lawsuit within the specified statute of limitation.

• Can you file a claim if the dog caused injuries to your own dog in Gainesville?

  Yes, you may file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog that attacked your own dog in Gainesville. According to Florida laws, a dog owner is responsible and liable for any damages done by a dog. If you and your dog were attacked without provocation, the dog owner may face negligence over the incident.

• Can you pursue a claim if the dog has no previous history of aggression in Gainesville?

  Yes, you may pursue a claim in Gainesville if you suffered an injury from a dog with no previous record of a biting incident. The state of Florida does not observe the "one-bite rule" and strictly enforces the strict liability statute for dog owners, who can be charged both criminally and civilly.

• What is the basis for authorities in Gainesville to consider your dog as 'dangerous'?

  In Gainesville and throughout the state of Florida, authorities will consider your dog as dangerous if it has previous records of attacking people and other animals. Showing signs of aggression toward humans even in unprovoked situations can also make your dog be considered as dangerous and has to be kept in a properly secured location in your house.

• Can you sue for punitive damages in a dog bite case in Gainesville?

  Yes, you and your lawyer can file for punitive damages if you suffered severe injuries from a dog bite in Gainesville. Punitive damage compensation in the state of Florida is rare but the courts allow it if there is a legal basis for filing. Punitive damage was designed to punish at-fault parties who exercised gross negligence that caused injuries.